Authorities in Iran partially lifted the Twitter restriction late last year, according to the Campaign for Human Rights, but the country still heavily censors access to the Internet. Some leading Iranians maintain Twitter accounts, including current President Hassan Rouhani.

Page includes video message in English

Ahmadinejad's new Twitter page includes a recorded request for followers.

He starts his message with the traditional Muslim greeting, "In the name of God, the most merciful and most compassionate."